Scars to Stars™ Podcast

Deana Brown Mitchell
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the Scars to Stars™ Podcast, where we share stories of resilience and hope. Your host, Deana Brown Mitchell is the founder of the Realize Foundation whose mission is to reduce the number of humans who struggle with suicidal ideation by creating a world where having the conversation becomes commonplace. Like many, she kept silent about her own struggles with mental health for 23 years due to shame and stigma. It wasn't until she lost a friend to suicide that Deana realized the power of sharing our stories. In this podcast, we invite guests who have overcome adversity to share their journey and provide a safe space for vulnerability and openness. Our goal is to let other silent humans know that they are not alone and that there is always hope. Whether you are struggling with your mental health or simply feeling alone, this podcast is for you. Come join our community and let's inspire each other to turn our Scars to Stars.

  1. Aug 12

    Stronger Together: Where Physical Health, Mental Health & Human Connection Meet

    In this special episode of Scars to Stars, Deana sits down with Sandi Griffin, founder of the Colorado Springs Health & Fitness Expo, to explore the deeply personal mission behind an event that is about much more than physical fitness. Sandi shares how her family’s 17 years in Germany, her husband’s experience with PTSD while serving in the Air Force medical community, her work with wounded Special Operations service members, the loss of military friends to suicide, and suicide attempts within her own family shaped her commitment to mental health awareness and suicide prevention. They discuss why physical and mental health cannot be separated, the life-saving power of human connection, and why sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is simply listen without trying to fix someone. Sandi also shares the vision behind the Colorado Strong fitness competition, designed to create a more inclusive environment for athletes of different ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The conversation also explores Sandi's own health transformation and unexpected journey into becoming a professional fitness coach, along with the Expo's Vendor Success Studio and its mission to help small businesses build relationships rather than simply make sales. At the heart of it all is one powerful idea: we are stronger together, and connection can change lives. #ScarsToStars #RealizeFoundation #MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #HumanConnection #HealthAndWellness #MentalHealthMatters #ColoradoSprings #ColoradoSpringsHealthAndFitnessExpo #HealthAndFitness #StrongerTogether #CommunityMatters #YouAreNotAlone #VeteranMentalHealth #MilitaryMentalHealth #PTSDawareness #WholePersonHealth #FitnessCommunity #HopeAndHealing #ConnectionMatters Sandi Griffin is a professional fitness coach, entrepreneur, and founder of the Colorado Springs Health & Fitness Expo. Her passion for whole-person wellness grew from her family’s 17 years in Germany as part of the U.S. military community, where she worked as a strength and conditioning coach with wounded Special Operations service members and witnessed firsthand the connection between physical health, trauma, PTSD, and mental health. After moving to Colorado Springs and experiencing the devastating impact of suicide within both the military community and her own family, Sandi created the Colorado Springs Health & Fitness Expo to bring physical wellness, mental health resources, suicide prevention, education, and community connection together under one roof. A professional trainer since 2009, Sandi’s own health transformation led her into fitness, bodybuilding, coaching, and opportunities to work with elite athletes, including members of the U.S. women’s wrestling community. Today, her work is driven by a simple belief: we are stronger together, and healthier communities are built through connection, collaboration, and making sure people feel seen and supported.

    Stronger Together: Where Physical Health, Mental Health & Human Connection Meet

  2. Aug 5

    Softening the Suffering with Jewel Baker

    In this heartfelt episode, Jewel Baker shares her journey through physical pain, scoliosis, emotional suffering, and self-neglect while learning how deeply mental health and physical health are connected. After a traumatic childhood injury and years of believing she had to sacrifice herself for others, Jewel struggled with chronic pain, low self-worth, and suicidal ideation before beginning a healing journey rooted in self-care, nervous system regulation, yoga, mindfulness, and body awareness. She also discusses her published chapter, The Grind Is Not the American Dream, and how learning to nourish both herself and the collective transformed her life. I’m Jewel—an embodiment coach, licensed massage therapist, and intuitive guide for women who are so done living in pain and ready to rise into their power, presence, vitality, and ease. As a survivor of scoliosis and narcissistic abuse, I know what it’s like to feel stuck, overwhelmed, and out of sync with your own body. That’s why I’m deeply passionate about helping sensitive women who feel unsupported or trapped in cycles of pain, tension, and exhaustion. Through a gentle, integrative approach—blending Coaching, Craniosacral Therapy, Traditional Thai Healing, and Cayce-Reilly Massage—I help women reconnect with their bodies, release stored stress, and awaken the energy to move toward their deepest desires. Together, we uncover the patterns holding you back, deepen your self-healing abilities, and get you deeply present to your potent power. My work weaves ancient healing traditions with modern wisdom, creating a sacred path to inner harmony, resilience, and joy. And when I’m not in session, you’ll probably find me hoop dancing—my favorite way to stay playful, grounded, and wildly alive! #MentalHealthAwareness #ChronicPain #HealingJourney #ScarsToStars #SelfWorth #MindBodyConnection #YogaHealing #MentalHealthMatters #NervousSystemHealing #Mindfulness #EmotionalHealing #YouAreNotAlone #TraumaHealing #SelfCare #HolisticHealing #ScoliosisAwareness #HealingThroughStorytelling #PodcastEpisode #ChooseHope #WellnessJourney

    Softening the Suffering with Jewel Baker

  3. Jul 29

    Push Through the Pressure with Olivia Cook

    In this powerful and honest episode, Olivia Cook shares her journey as a restaurant leader, mother, mentor, and entrepreneur while navigating stress, adversity, mental health struggles, and personal growth. Olivia opens up about overcoming suicidal thoughts, learning emotional resilience, and discovering how prayer, gratitude, community, boundaries, and self-awareness became essential tools in her healing journey. She also discusses leadership in high-pressure environments, the importance of mental toughness, and why learning to “push through the pressure” without losing yourself is critical for long-term success and emotional wellness. Olivia Cook is a Christian, Air Force wife, and devoted mother who brings faith, resilience, and vision into every aspect of her leadership oliviaotm@gmail.com #MentalHealthAwareness #Leadership #MentalResilience #ScarsToStars #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalWellness #HealingJourney #YouAreNotAlone #RestaurantLeadership #WomenInLeadership #MentalHealthMatters #SelfDevelopment #HopeAndHealing #EntrepreneurMindset #FaithAndHealing #BurnoutRecovery #LeadershipDevelopment #PodcastEpisode #ChooseHope #MindsetShift

    Push Through the Pressure with Olivia Cook

  4. Jul 22

    Life is Happening For Me with Jamie Hunter

    In this inspiring episode, Jamie Hunter shares her journey from childhood trauma, addiction, and devastating life setbacks to healing, recovery, and personal transformation. After losing the future she once envisioned as a young athlete, Jamie found herself battling addiction and emotional pain before ultimately rebuilding her life with purpose and hope. Now 16 years clean, she helps others navigate healing, recovery, emotional wellness, and personal growth through her podcast, coaching, and online community. Her story is a powerful reminder that no matter what you’ve been through, you are worthy of healing and a better future. #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #HealingJourney #ScarsToStars #RecoveryJourney #SelfWorth #TraumaHealing #MentalHealthMatters #SobrietyJourney #YouAreNotAlone #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealing #HopeAndHealing #RecoveryIsPossible #MindsetHealing #PodcastEpisode #HealingThroughStorytelling #ChooseHope #TransformationJourney #Resilience Jamie is a retired medical professional turned powerhouse entrepreneur, mentor, and community leader who is redefining what’s possible for women who crave time freedom, financial independence, and a life built on purpose. After walking away from the medical field, she stepped boldly into online business, direct sales, and mindset transformation — building a thriving brand rooted in authenticity, resilience, and expansion. As the CEO of her own business, Jamie mentors women around the world on how to rewire their subconscious beliefs, elevate their confidence, and create income streams that support true autonomy. Her work blends high‑ticket sales, mindset coaching, and personal empowerment, helping clients step into abundance with ease, clarity, and self‑trust. Jamie is also the creator of a podcast and a mindset course designed for individuals in sobriety — a space where she brings compassion, lived wisdom, and powerful tools for healing and transformation. At home, Jamie is a devoted wife to Trent and a fully present mom to her daughter, Skylar and two older children and 4 step kids! Her family is her driving force and the heart behind her mission: to build a legacy of freedom, wealth, and generational impact. She envisions a life lived between her dream beach home and a peaceful wilderness retreat, where her family can thrive, travel, and enjoy the abundance she’s creating. Fueled by growth, aligned action, and a deep belief in what’s possible, Jamie is on a mission to help others rise — and to show women everywhere that they can build a life they love, on their own terms, with confidence and unstoppable momentum.

    Life is Happening For Me with Jamie Hunter

  5. Jul 15

    From Addiction to Redemption: Matthew’s Journey

    In this raw and inspiring episode, Matthew shares his journey through addiction, depression, suicide attempts, and recovery. From battling substance abuse, heroin addiction, and hopelessness to finding faith and transformation during 60 days in jail, Matthew opens up about the pain he endured and the healing that followed. His story is a powerful reminder that no one is too far gone for hope, recovery, and a second chance. About the Guest: Matthew Rambur was born in Eastern Montana and now lives in Western North Dakota with his dog, Maverick. Raised with small-town values and a hardworking background, Matt spent nearly a decade battling addiction, hopelessness, and the darkness that comes with feeling lost. After surviving some of the lowest moments of his life, he is now rebuilding through faith, sobriety, and purpose. Matt currently works at Tractor Supply Company and hopes that by sharing his story, others struggling with addiction, depression, or thoughts of giving up will realize they are not alone and never too far gone. He believes God can take even the most broken chapters of a life and turn them into something meaningful. Matthew shares his powerful journey through addiction, heroin abuse, depression, suicide attempts, and recovery. After years of pain and substance abuse, he found faith, healing, and hope during a life-changing time in jail. This episode reminds listeners that recovery and redemption are possible. #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #SuicidePrevention #ScarsToStars #RecoveryJourney #FaithAndHealing #YouAreNotAlone #SobrietyJourney #MentalHealthMatters #HealingJourney #HopeAndHealing #SubstanceAbuseRecovery #RecoveryIsPossible #TraumaHealing #DepressionRecovery #ChristianRecovery #PodcastEpisode #SecondChances #HealingThroughStorytelling #ChooseHope

    From Addiction to Redemption: Matthew’s Journey

  6. Jul 7

    Suicide Widow Support with Rachel Powell

    In this deeply moving episode, Rachel Powell shares her journey through devastating loss after her husband died by suicide, leaving her widowed with four children. Rachel opens up about grief, surviving her own suicide attempts, rebuilding her life through faith, and ultimately creating a powerful community for Christian widows. Her story is one of resilience, redemption, healing, and hope for anyone walking through unimaginable pain. #MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #WidowSupport #ChristianWidow #HealingJourney #ScarsToStars #FaithAndHealing #HopeAfterLoss #GriefSupport #Widowhood #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealthMatters #HealingThroughFaith #SurvivorStory #HopeAndHealing #SuicideLossSurvivor #TraumaHealing #CommunityHealing #PodcastEpisode #ChooseHope Rachel Powell is a widow Coach, Advanced Grief Recovery Method Specialist, speaker, author & suicide prevention advocate. She helps Christian widows who are ready to move through grief & healing with HOPE, so they can confidently rebuild their life with renewed identity & purpose. She does this through Coaching and her virtual Christian widow community. After losing her young husband to suicide & attempting twice herself, Rachel went on a journey of radical healing. The Lord later led her to leave 14 yrs as a Registered Nurse to guide widows on the same transformative path. She also receives many messages about her suicide prevention work saving lives.

    Suicide Widow Support with Rachel Powell

  7. Jul 1

    Being the Rock: Caring for a Spouse Through Cancer

    In this emotional and honest episode, Deana sits down with author coach, entrepreneur, and Scars to Stars™ Volume 5 contributor Christopher di Armani. Christopher shares the deeply personal story behind his chapter... supporting his wife through a life-threatening stage 3C breast cancer diagnosis while struggling to hold himself together emotionally. He opens up about fear, faith, caregiving, emotional resilience, marriage, uncertainty, and the healing power of writing. This conversation is a powerful reminder that caregivers need support too, and that vulnerability can become a path to healing and hope. #MentalHealthAwareness #CancerCaregiver #ScarsToStars #BreastCancerAwareness #CaregiverSupport #HealingJourney #EmotionalHealing #FaithAndHealing #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealthMatters #MarriageAndHealing #HopeAndHealing #CaregiverLife #WritingHeals #Resilience #CancerJourney #PodcastEpisode #SupportSystem #HealingThroughStorytelling #ChooseHope

    Being the Rock: Caring for a Spouse Through Cancer

  8. Jun 24

    A Life Unfurled with Laurie Lang

    In this deeply moving episode, Laurie Lang from British Columbia shares her journey through childhood bullying, emotional abuse, sexual assault, a controlling marriage, suicidal thoughts, and the loss of her faith — and how she ultimately found healing, freedom, and restoration through her relationship with Jesus Christ. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope and healing are possible. #MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #ScarsToStars #HealingJourney #TraumaHealing #FaithAndHealing #HopeAfterTrauma #EmotionalHealing #YouAreNotAlone #SurvivorStory #HealingThroughFaith #MentalHealthMatters #DomesticAbuseSurvivor #ChildhoodTrauma #OvercomingAbuse #HopeAndHealing #SpiritualHealing #PodcastEpisode #Resilience #ChooseHope

    A Life Unfurled with Laurie Lang
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Scars to Stars™ Podcast, where we share stories of resilience and hope. Your host, Deana Brown Mitchell is the founder of the Realize Foundation whose mission is to reduce the number of humans who struggle with suicidal ideation by creating a world where having the conversation becomes commonplace. Like many, she kept silent about her own struggles with mental health for 23 years due to shame and stigma. It wasn't until she lost a friend to suicide that Deana realized the power of sharing our stories. In this podcast, we invite guests who have overcome adversity to share their journey and provide a safe space for vulnerability and openness. Our goal is to let other silent humans know that they are not alone and that there is always hope. Whether you are struggling with your mental health or simply feeling alone, this podcast is for you. Come join our community and let's inspire each other to turn our Scars to Stars.

Information

  • Creator
    Deana Brown Mitchell
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    138
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Deana Brown Mitchell
  • Show Website
    Scars to Stars™ Podcast